Handlamp



lvlll. U, labo- G. D. GALLAGHER HANDLAMP 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 1,

"unla, 13GB- G. D. GALLAGHER HANDLAMP Filed June 1. 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 rated Mar. 3, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT ()FFICE.

GEORGE D. GALLAGHER, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ASSIGNOR TO WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS COMPANY, OF NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT.

I-IANDLAMP.

Application filed June 1, 1920. Serial No. 385,708.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE D. GALLAGHER, a citizen of the United States, residing in the city of liashington, District of Columbia, have invented certain new and useful improvements in Handlamps, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to hand lamps, and more particularly to hand lamps or socalled flash-lights of the type in which one or more electric dry cells are housed within a casing, carrying a miniature incandescent bulb adapted to be placed in circuit with the cell or cells by the operation of a switch conveniently located at the exterior of the casing for manual operation. The invention has more particular reference to hand lamps of the type in which a tubular casing is employed, which may be constructed of fibre or like insulating material, although not necessarily so, and wherein 'a metallic switch structure applied to the exterior of the easing controls the flow of current to the bulb, which is located in front of a reflector removably secured in position at the front end of the casing; but my invention is also applicable to hand lamps of other types and certain features will be found advantageous in various applications.

One of the primary objects of the invention is to provide a simple and eilicient switch structure, in devices of the kind to which i have referred, wherein provision is made for locking the switch parts in a distinct safety position, to thereby prevent lighting of the lamp by accident or otherwise than by design, in addition to the flash position and the permanent light position. I have in view, in this connection, the provision of a hand lamp with a threeposition switch, which is cheap, eflicient and easy to operate.

A further object is to furnish an effective form of three-position switch, easily applicable to hand lamps of the insulating casing type.

Another object which I have in view is the provision of a switch structure in which the position of the switch parts is indicated visually at the exterior of the casing; but more particularly it is intended to have the movable part of the switch movable in a different direction, when the same is to be set in the permanent light position, than the direction in which it is moved to the safety position. By preference the parts are so arranged that the flash position of the movable element is its intermediate position, it be ing movable thence in one direction to the permanent light position and in an opposite direction to the safety position; but various changes may be made in this respect without departure from the scope of the invention.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved form of push button and slide device.

Another object is to furnish a three-position switch for the purpose indicated, which can be operated very easily and conveniently. Preferably a slide, movable from the intermediate position in opposite directions respectively to two different end positions, is employed, and this slide may be manipulated with great facility, owing to the fact that it has a depression therein, which makes it easy to move it in either direction; and preferably also, the push button element of the structure, which is utilized for making the contact, is located within the depression of the slide, thus providing a device in which a pushing in of the button and a movement of the slide may be effected concurrently in a very convenient manner by the thumb of the operator, which is a further object of the invention.

ther objects of the invention are to provide means which insure the effective locking or positioning of the switch parts in the different positions; to provide an iIl'lPlOVGCl push button structure; to decrease the number of parts; and to increase the cheapness, simplicity, ease of assemblage, effectiveness of operation, durability and reliability of devices of the class to which the invention relattes.

To these and other ends the invention consists in the novel features and combinations of parts to be hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is an elevation of a tubular hand lamp embodying my improvements;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary central longitudinal section of the device on a larger scale, showing the switch in the flash position;

is a fragmentary interior view of the casing;

Fig. 4 is a section on line 4 l of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a section on line 5-5 of F ig. 2;

Fig. 6 shows certain parts of Fig. 2 on a larger scale;

Figs. 7 and 8 are views similar to 5 and 6 respectively, showing the switch in the permanent light position;

Figs. 9 and 10 are similar to Figs. 5 and 6 respectively, but show the parts in the safety position;

Fig. 11 is a section on line 11-11 of Fig. 2, on a larger scale;

Fig. 12 is a section on line 1212 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 13 is a detail of the push button spring; and

Fig. 14- is a detail of the push button.

I have shown my improvements applied to a tubular hand lamp having a casing of fibre or like insulating material, containing the usual dry cells 21. At the rear end of the casing the same is provided with the customary threaded ferrule 22, on to which screws the ordinary end cap 23 carrying a spring 24 that presses against the bottom of the rear cell. The cells, of which there are two in the embodiment illustrated, are encased in the customary open-ended paper insulating wrapper. At the front end the casing is furnished with a metal ferrule 25, on which is screwed a lens shell 26. This lens shell has screw threads pressed in its outer end so that the lens holder 27 may be screwed on the same. This lens holder supports the lens 28 and between the lens and the front end of the casing is a reflector 29, having a metal socket 30 at its inner part, for the reception of the lamp bulb 31. Preferably the reflector 29 is interposed between the rear surface of the lens, at the periphery of the latter, and the front edge of the lens shell 26, but it is out of contact with the lens shell, and where the reflector contacts with the lens holder 27 it carries an edge binding 32 of insulating tape or the like, so that the re lector is insulated from the metal parts carried by the front end of the casing. The bulb 31 is arranged in the usual manner within the metal socket 30 and makes contact in the ordinary way with the central electrode of the front batteriy cell.

nocated on the exterior of the fibre casing, about midway of the length thereof, is a metal switch structure 33, by which the circuit containing the lamp and dry cells is adapted to be closed. This switch structure includes a sheet metal base member 3a, which serves as a guide for a combined slide and push button, as hereinafter described. This base plate is electrically connected in a suitable manner, as by means of a brass conductor strip 35, with the uncovered bottom portion of the rear cell. Preferably the connection is from the cell to the spring 24L and thence to the end cap 23 and ferrule 22, to which the conductor 35 may be riveted, as shown in Fig. 3, the rivet connection being adjacent the rear end of the conductor strip, as shown at 36, and the conductor strip having at its opposite end a similar riveted connection 37 with the base plate 3 1 of the switch. From the central electrode of the front cell the circuit goes through the bulb 31 to the socket 30, through a portion of the reflector 29 and thence through the conductor strip 38 to a fixed contact member 39, with which the movable part of the switch structure co-operates, as hereinafter described.

The conductor strip 38 is formed and ar ranged in a novel manner, as follows: This strip, which may be conveniently made of thin brass, is provided with a fixed contact tongue (serving as the switch contact 39), formed integral therewith, by striking up the metal of the strip near the inner end of such strip. The tongue 39 is struck out of a slot 40 and is bent over until it assumes an acute angle to the strip, as shown for example in Fig. 6. This contact tongue 39 is then located within a slot 41 punched in the fibre casing, the strip being located at the inner face of the casing and being riveted to the casing on both sides of the contact tongue by means of rivets l2 and l3 respectively. These rivets hold the strip securely in place, with its contact tongue projecting through the slot ll of the casing slightly to the exterior of the casing. The front end of the conductor strip makes contact with the outer surface of the reflector 39 when the lamp is assembled, although there is no permanent connection between these parts. The front end of the strip 38 is bent laterally on an easy curve, as shown at 38 and this end of the strip projects from the casing at the front of the latter, so as to make effective contact with the reflector when the reflector is placed in position. In doing this the reflector is placed within the lens shell 26 and, the lens then being applied by means of its holder 27, the reflector is pressed by the operation of assemblage against the curved end of the strip 38, so as to make effective contact therewith at a point say about halfway between the periphery of the reflector and the center thereof. This provides a contact which is kept clean owing to the rubbing of the reflector against the strip, and it will be understood also that the contact is maintained, irrespective of the turning movement of the lens holder, within certain limits. This arrangement combines effectiveness of contact with convenience of construction and assemblage, as will be obvious.

The switch base plate 34: is shaped to conform to the casing. It is preferably made of sheet metal and has a bent up or raised longitudinal rib l4: which serves as a guide fer a slide piece 45 carrying a central push button 46. The guiding projection 44 has a flat outer face and such outer face is provided with suitable slots for positioning and guiding the slide 45. In the form shown, the slide 45 is of elongated shape, lying centrally of the projection 44 of the base plate and adapted to slide forwardly and rearwardly thereon over a limited distance. The slide is likewise made of sheet metal, with integral top and side walls. It presents a channeled cross-section. At the front and rear extremities of the slide, the outer wall is bent down so as to approach the adjacent part of the base plate at an acute angle. The side walls of the slide near the corners of the latter are continued downwardly to form securing and guiding lugs or projections 47 which pass through longitudinal slots 48 in the base plate and are bent laterally so as to hold the slide in place on the base plate. In the particular form shown a rectangular member 49 is positioned at the under surface of the guiding projection 44, and the lugs 47 are bent inwardly over the same within recesses 50 at the corners of such member 49. The lugs are clinched into the corners of member 49 in such a manner that said member is made a part of the sliding structure. Its whole upper face bears against the under surface of the guide projection 44 and in this manner a. substantial bearing of the slide on the base plate is afforded. In other words, the structure is more substantial and a better bearing of the sliding member on the stationary member is afforded than would be the case if the member 49 were omitted, but in certain aspects of the invention this is not important.

The front and rear walls of the slide 45 are inclined or curved downwardly toward the base plate at an acute angle to increase the effective length of the slide, while at the same time doing away with inconvenient projections; and in order to prove an effective grip, the upper or outer surface of the slide is furnished with serrations which may be created by transverse depressions or grooves in the sheet metal, as shown.

At the central part of the base plate 34, beneath the slide 45, said plate is provided with a slot 51 of special form, as hereinafter described. This slot is out within a depression 52 in the guide projection 44. The depression 52 may be of generally elliptical shape. as shown, and the slot 51 extends lengthwise of the guide projection 44. The bearing member 49 of the slide structure is provided with a central opening 53 which, in this instance, is of about the same shape as the depression 52 but substantially larger so that in no position assumed b member 49 will it overlie the slotted depression in the base plate.

At its central part the slide 45 is provided with a cylindrical socket 5 4, in which is positioned the push button 46, previously mentioned. The central part of the slide has a slight depression therein, and the socket 54 is located within this depression. This socket is formed by punching in the outer wall of the slide, and the socket has a bottom wall 55 with a perforation 56 in which the shank 57 of button 46 is guided for movement in an inward and outward direction. The push button 46 is preferably formed as shown in Fig. 14, having a mushroom head cut away at its under part, as shown at 48, to provide an annular seat for a spring 59, shown in detail in Fi 13. The shank 57 of the button is preferably integral with the head, and at its inner end it is of reduced cross section, as shown at 60, so as to receive a fastening collar 61, which is riveted in place by upsetting the inner extremity of the button shank as shown. The fastening collar or flange 61 is of greater diameter than the shank 57. The spring 59 is interposed between the bottom of the button socket 54 and the head of the button 46. The spring is of spiral shape but is not a true pancake spiral. inasmuch as its coils are slightly drawn out, the smallest coil encircling the shank 57 immediately back of the button head and the largest coil or turn abutting the bottom of the button socket. The coils or turns of the spring are arranged preferably so that they will telescope and therefore a depression of the button to a considerable extent is permitted. When the button is depressed, with the parts in the position shown in Fig. 6, the collar or flange 61 will make contact with the upstanding tongue 39 on the contact strip 38, and thereby complete the circuit through the lamp. hen the push button is released, however, the parts are returned by the spring 59 to the position shown in Fig. 6, further outward movement of the button being prevented by the abutment of the flange 61 against the bottom of the button socket.

lVhen the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 6. the collar or flange 61 is located within the central part 62 of the slot 51 previously mentioned. This central part 62 is of the shape shown in Fig. 7, conforming to the collar 61, but clearing the same so as to permit depression of the button for flashing the lamp bv pressure of the thumb of the operator. In front of the central portion 62 the slot 51 is narrower, as shown, for example. at 63 in Fig. 9. this portion 63 being of a shape. size and location whereby it conforms to the periphery of the button shank 57. Back of the central portion 62 of slot 51 is an enlarged end portion 64 of about the same size as the portion 62. Between the portions 62 and 64 are inwardly directed projections 65, which are spaced apart a distance corresponding substantially to the diameter of the shank 57.

The operation of the device is as follows:

When the parts are in the position shown in Figs. 2, 5 and 6, the push button may be readily depressed by the thumb of the operator for lighting the lamp temporari y, as previously described, the collar 61 being moved into contact with the tongue 39. When the pressure of the thumb is released, the spring 59 returns the button to theinitial position. Suppose now that it is desired to keep the lamp lighted for several minutes without using the. hand for that purpose, it is merely necessary for the operator to depress the button 4E6 so that the collar or projection 61 will pass inwardly beyond the e lge. oi the slotted part 62, whereupon the thumb is used to give a forward pushing impulse to the slide 4 This push carries the but-ton into the position shown in Figs. 7 and 8, which is the permanent light position. lnthis position the inner end of the button is locked in contact with the tongue in opposition to the spring 59, owing to the fact that the projection ($1 engages the edges of the portion 63 of the slot. hen it is desired to release the switch from the permanent light position the slide 45 is simply slid in the opposite d1rect1on by pulling rearwardly with the thumb. The projection 61 is thus brought back into alignment with the portion 62 of the slot. Supposing, on the other hand, that it is desired to lock the contact members out of contact, the parts being in the position shown in Fig. 6, the operator pushes inwardly on the button so that the projection 61 will clear the projec-- tions 65, and the slide is then pushed or pulled rearwardly until the button comes opposite the center of the slotted portion 6%. hen this occurs, pressure on the button can be released and the button will thereupon be moved in an outward direction so as to carry the projection 61 into the slotted portion 6-1. lVhen the parts are in this position, the hand lamp cannot be lighted because the button, it pushed inwardly, will not reach the contact tongue 39. The switch cannot be accidentally released because the projections ()5 block a forward movement of the slide, owing to the fact that these projections are normally in the way of the collar or projection 61. In order to release the s *itch from this safety position, it is necessary first to depress the button so that the projections (55 will be disengaged from the projection (31, whereupon the slide can se moved forwardly to the flash position, or all the way to the permanent light position, if desired.

All of these movements of the switch can be carried out very easily and conveniently. In moving the slide forwardly and rearwardly, a thrust in the proper direction can be ex rted by the thumb of the operator while the thumb remains upon the push button, owing to the fact that the push button is located within a central depression in the slide. Thus the slide may be moved forwardly or rearwardly with equal convenience and, it necessary, the push button can be depressed simultaneously with a movement of the slide in one or the other direction.

It will be noted that in the permanent light and safety positions, respectively, the slide occupies different positions so that it can be readily discerned from the exterior of the lamp whether the switch is in one or the other of said positions. The liability of moving the switch to the wrong position is also overcome in a large measure, owing to the fact that when it is desired to set the lamp for permanent light, the slide is moved in one direction from a central or intermediate position, whereas when it is desired to set the lamp to the safety position, the slide is moved from such central position in an opposite direction.

The device is relatively cheap in construction and may be assembled with facility. The push button spring is or" such form and arrangement as to give a maximum of service, and the device is eflicient in operation and not likely to get out of order.

Various changes may be made in the details without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. lt will be obvious, for example, that I do not limit myself in all aspects of the invention to a lamp structure having an insulating as distinguished from a conducting casing, nor to a hand lamp having a switch with a movable element whose safety position is located rearwardly or" the permanent light position, as various departures in these and other respects may be made without digressing from the general principles involved, as set forth in the claims.

W hat I claim is:

1. In a hand lamp, an insulating casing, a battery therein, an incandescent bulb, and means for making and breaking contact between the terminals of the bulb and said battery, including a switch on the casing having a contact member slidable from an intermediate flash position in opposite directions respectively to a permanent lightposition and to a safety position.

2. In a hand lamp, an insulating casing, a battery therein, an incandescent bulb, and means for making and breaking the electric circuit, including said bulb, comprisin a three-position switch having a depressiole contact button and means for mounting said button so that it is shiftab-le in opposite directions, respectively, from an intermediate flash position to two other positions.

3. In a hand lamp, a tubular insulating casing, a battery therein, an incandescent bulb, and means for making and breaking contact between the terminals of the bulb and the battery, including a current carrying member slidable lengthwise of the casing and having flash position, a permanent light position and a safety position, said flash position being an intermediate position from which said member is movable in opposite directions, respectively, into the other positions.

4. In a hand lamp, a tubular casing, a battery therein, an incandescent bulb, and means for making and breaking contact between the terminals of the bulb and the battery, including a current carrying member slidably mounted on the exterior of the casing and having an intermediate flash position and permanent light and safety positions, respectively, into which said member is movable in opposite directions, respectively, from said flash position.

5. In a handlamp, a tubular insulating casing, a battery therein, a bulb, and electrical connections between the bulb and battery including a switch structure at the outside of the casing having a base plate with a guide disposed longitudinally of the casing, and a movable switch member on said guide at the exterior of the casing, and movable forwardly and rearwardly, said movable switch member having an intermediate flashing position for producing flash ing of the lamp and being movable in opposite directions respectively from such in termediate position to permanent light and safety positions respectively.

6. In a hand lamp, a casing, a battery therein, a bulb, and electrical connections between the bulb and battery including a current carrying member slidably mounted on the casing to move in a longitudinal direction and having an intermediate position for flashing, and two end positions on opposite sides of the flashing position corresponding respectively to permanent light and safety.

7. In a device such as described, an insulating casing having a slot, a movable contact member on the outside of the casing, substantially in line with said slot, and a fixed contact member comprising a metal strip lying against the inner face of the casing and secured to the casing on opposite sides, respectively, of the slot, and having an integral reversely bent contact tongue punched out of the strip and lying at an acute angle to the body thereof within the slot, adapted to co-operate with said movable contact member.

8. In a hand lamp, a casing of insulating material, a battery therein having an open-ended insulating covering, a reflector at the forward end of the casing, a bulb socketed in the reflector, a metal switch base applied to the casing at the exterior thereof, a connection between the switch base and the bulb including the reflector, a connection between the switch base and the battery, one of such connections having a gap, manually operable slide member at the exterior of the casing secured on and guided by the switch base and having at least two distinct positions relatively thereto, an inwardly slidable springpressed contact button mounted on and carried by the slide member and adapted to close the above mentioned gap for flashing the lamp in one of such positions, and means for locking the slide member and button in the other position.

9. In a hand lamp, a casing of insulating material, a battery therein having an openended insulating covering, a reflector at the forward end of the casing, a bulb soclteted in the reflector, a metal switch base applied to the casing at the exterior thereof, a connection between the switch base and the bulb including the reflector, a connection between the switch base and the battery, one of such connections having a gap, a manually operable slide member at the exterior of the casing secured on and guided by the switch base and having at least two distinct positions relatively thereto, an inwardly slidably springpressed contact button mounted on and carried by the slide member and adapted to close the above mentioned gap for flashing the lamp in one of such positions, and means for locking the slide member and button in the other position, the last named position being a permanent contact position, said sliding member being movable to a third or safety position in which the gap cannot be closed.

10. In a hand lamp, an insulating casing having a slot, a contact member secured to the casing and having a part accessible through said slot, at base-plate secured to the casing and having a raised portion spaced therefrom, a movable contact member slidably mounted upon said raised portion and having a part extending into the space between the casing and the raised portion of the base-plate, said contact member being movable upon said base-plate in a longitudinal direction, and having an intermediate position for flashing and two end positions on opposite sides of the flashing position corresponding respectively to permanent light and safety.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand on the 27th day of May, 1920.

GEORGE D. GALLAGHER. 

